Afraid Quote by Audre Lorde
“And when the sun rises we are afraid it might not remain when the sun sets we are afraid it might not rise in the morning when our stomachs are full we are afraid of indigestion when our stomachs are empty we are afraid we may never eat again when we are loved we are afraid love will vanish when we are alone we are afraid love will never return and when we speak we are afraid our words will not be heard nor welcomed but when we are silent we are still afraid So it is better to speak remembering we were never meant to survive”
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Fear of Silence”, 1979 (published in *Sister Outsider*)
The passage lists many fears, showing anxiety pervades daily life, yet urges speaking out despite fear.
In simple terms: We fear many things, but speaking is still important.
Key Takeaway
Speak despite fear; let your voice be heard.
Themes
fear
communication
vulnerability
Mood
reflective
determined
Type
personal
political
When to use this quote
- public speaking
- personal journaling
- activist rallies
Key Concepts
existential anxiety
self‑expression
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- What holds you back from speaking?
- How does fear shape your actions?
A Different Perspective
Silence can also be a form of resistance.
